Categorized as a Woody Allen-esq 'screwball sex comedy,' Maria Maggenti's "Puccini For Beginners" incorporates witty dialogue, an attractive cast, and an original plot into a hilarious movie about one woman's misadventures in finding love.
Allegra (Elizabeth Reaser) is a 30-something bisexual woman living in Manhattan who is initially dumped by Samantha (Julianne Nicholson) because of her fear of commitment. On the rebound, she begins an affair with Philip (Justin Kirk) who then leaves his girlfriend Grace (Gretchen Mol) to be with her. Allegra meets Grace by chance and starts to date her as well, unaware of her link to Philip. Hilarity and romance ensues until Allegra realizes the connection between her two lovers, and confrontations at a climatic engagement party brings her a greater sense of self and less fear of saying 'I love you.'

Allegra loves Samantha. But she won't say so. Grace loves Philip but he won't marry her. Samantha leaves Allegra. Allegra meets Philip. Philip leaves Grace. Allegra falls for Philip. Allegra meets Grace. Grace falls for Allegra. Allegra falls for Grace. Allegra sees Philip and Grace simultaneously and has no idea they're exes.